Night Shift at the Bike Rack

The avenue dimmed as night took over, so I claimed higher ground on a parked commuter bicycle. Resting on the low pedals was not enough. I scaled the cold steel crank arm, climbed up the frame, and balanced directly on the curved alloy handlebar. A reflective cat-eye light sat mounted right in the center, tilted crooked. I didn't leave it misaligned. I planted my boots on the handlebar tape, braced my weight, and wrenched the plastic casing straight with both hands. It clicked firmly into place, catching the sweeping glare of oncoming headlights and casting an intense red halo across the metal tubing. Vantage secured. The street stays under my watch.